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THE Ministry of Education (MOE) has affirmed that all reports of tuberculosis (TB) cases in schools are handled strictly in accordance with guidelines set out on the advice of the Ministry of Health (MOH).
Speaking to reporters, Minister Fadhlina Sidek emphasised close collaboration with MOH to ensure swift action is taken to prevent the spread of the disease, particularly in boarding school environments.
“Thus far, there have been no complaints regarding delayed reporting of TB cases, as disease control is being fully implemented with strict monitoring from KKM, and we provide our full cooperation,” Fadhlina said.
She added, “We are grateful to MOH for providing ongoing guidance, especially in aspects of reporting TB cases, to ensure the outbreak does not escalate and pose greater risk to the school community.”
The Minister made the remarks when asked whether MOE had received complaints about school administrators who allegedly delayed notifying the District Health Office about TB cases, causing concern among parents.
Fadhlina, who is also the Member of Parliament for Nibong Tebal, was speaking after officiating a Smartboard handover ceremony for preschools and flagging off a shipment of free 125ml UHT milk for preschool students across Penang, organised by Farm Fresh Berhad at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Tasek Mutiara.
When questioned about the potential closure of schools or hostels following TB cases, Fadhlina said such measures would follow existing protocols after consultation with MOH.
“There are procedures regarding school and hostel closures, and as I mentioned earlier, in matters concerning outbreaks and health, we will follow the guidance provided by MOH.
“If a case occurs in a hostel or elsewhere, prompt action will be taken not only at the level of MOE but also in line with MOH’s advice. All measures within the guidelines will be discussed and implemented jointly,” she stated.
Recent reports indicate TB clusters have emerged in several states, involving both community and school cases, with contact tracing underway.
Media reports on 10 February revealed ten active TB clusters recorded between January and 7 February this year.
According to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, the clusters include four in Selangor with ten cases, one in Johor with 37 cases, one in Kedah with two cases, one in Kelantan with two cases, one in Pahang with four cases, one in Perlis with two cases, and one in Sabah with five cases.
MOE maintains that strict adherence to these protocols is essential to safeguard the health and wellbeing of students and staff nationwide. - February 12, 2026
